If you would like to share your thoughts after reading Ocean Star, send e-mail to
                                                                       ydts@msn.com
Please understand that our review team does not have the capacity to respond to each individual who shares with us, but know that your story or thoughts will be read by someone on our team, some will be posted here and some will be responded to.. Several questions are coming in for Christina’s sisters. They played a significant role of shaping the writing of Ocean Star so it is understandable you feel a connection with them.They are part of the team of reviewers and thank you for your positive comments.

PINK a few reviews / GREEN readers reviews
*****Ocean Star is not your typical book about being a waverider. Christina DiMari shows how the ocean is one of the best conduits to healing all aspects of the shadows in our lives. Aside from the thrill of catching a wave, the glide, the energy, the stoke, Ocean Star dares to take the last step to the nose in bringing out the true reason why we love the ocean: to be reconnected, to wash away the outside world, to find peace within ourselves."
-Rocky Snyder
Author of Fit To Surf: The Surfer's Guide to Conditioning

*****DiMari holds nothing back in her poignant memoir about growing up in a dysfunctional family and suffering the lingering effects of parental indifference, cruelty and betrayal. From childhood, she spent time at the ocean where she learned to surf. It was there that she first felt God’s presence and began her journey to wholeness. Along the way, DiMari received help and support from her lifelong friends she called her “pod” because they supported each other like dolphins. But she also has been blessed through many encounters with older women, whom she believes were promised by God to help her become what He wants her to be. Ocean Star is an inspiration to young women and a true story of what can be accomplished for one willing to listen and believe.
_Posted by Sandra Carroll in the Christian Retailers magazine

*****A gripping, moving and inspirational memoir. This book shows how the light of God shines in the darkness. It will cause you to evaluate your own life choices and relationships. The symbolism used and the examination of female friendship make it an interesting and inspiring read which ultimately celebrates life.
_Lucy Ashbey, UK bookstore

*****Ocean Star, by Christina DiMari, is a sharp and sometimes brutal memoir of the dark events that cast a shadow over her childhood and sent her teen years spiraling out of control. After repeated family betrayal and abuse and the death of a close friend, Ocean Star embarks on a path to wholeness and happiness. The tight prose keeps the story moving briskly and the spiritual message is bristling with oceanic symbolism and a reverence for nature’s nourishing energy. While the religious overtone is obvious, the intertwining metaphors and underlining message that the ocean is the curing agent of the soul will strike any real surfer where it counts, and in my opinion, surfers are spiritual folks whether they know it or not. Religion has nothing to do with it. I guess, it's possible that just being surfers makes us more spiritual people, or at least in touch with something much bigger than we are. Allow me to expound on that notion: Each time we surf, we are immersing ourselves in the earth’s energy. The ocean’s ice cool and sun warm currents create natural power as the wind blows over incalculable distances to send swells (each unique in its character) to us. We, in turn, harness that power and glide atop it and take it into our bodies and souls to become, what I believe to be, better people. Ocean Star does deal at its core with abusive family relationships, life decisions, and spirituality, but it's the intriguing way DiMari incorporates her symbols throughout the novel that pulled me in. While I, myself am not an overtly spiritual or religious person, I enjoyed taking her journey (bumps and all).
_Jay DiMartino, writer for aboutsurf.com

*****Ocean Star was so inspiring and full of life lessons we all can learn from. Each story is united together by a similar person, event or symbol which made the overall story amazing from start to finish. This helped me realize that our own life story is perfectly planned and uniquely designed by God. While reading each chapter I saw how truly blessed I am in my loving Christian family. Over and over again I was filled with gratitude for things I used to think weren’t important and thankful for everyone who is in my life who encourages me and lights my way.

*****Ocean Star will open the eyes of PARENTS and reemphasize the importance of kind, encouraging, loving words to their children.It will make every CHILD learn that there is a way out, that they don't have to make bad choices to make themselves feel better, and that it is not their fault. It will let every ADULT who has been physical, mentally, or sexually abused by family members learn how to process that life to be able to move on and realize the undying importance of not repeating past behaviors. It will let every FRIEND realize the importance they have in each others lives. And for those of you who were lucky enough to be born into a family with good, loving parents, you can learn how to be a light to those children who only see the darkness. You will learn how to teach those children how to see the good in themselves, how to teach them it is not their fault, and how to extend your hand so they have something to hold onto while they ride the storm. You can learn how to be a PEARL to someone who needs a little light on their journey through life.

*****I work in a Christian bookstore and get to review many new books. I was reviewing new books from Tyndale and came across "Ocean Star". After reading just a few of the reviews, I was intrigued by whom had endorsed the book and given it impressive reviews. I read the prologue and was so taken by the first page, I was compelled to purchase and read the book. I actually purchased it for my girlfriend, but once I got into the book, I could not put the book down until I was finished. Christina is a gifted author, able to bring you into her story of abuse, escape and victory over such a horrific past in such a way that you will experience each moment of fear, pain, anguish along with the emotions of joy, awareness of the presence of God and how he directs us in our lives. Bring plenty of Kleenex, you'll need it. I was emotional for weeks after reading her book and even now, when I try to explain her book to others it hits pretty close to home. You don't have to have grown up in an abusive home to appreciate this book. If ever anyone has spoken harshly to you, not respected your boundaries, or lied to you, you will find healing within the pages of this book. You cannot read her book and ever be the same. As Daize Shayne says, "This book will change your life forever and leave you craving to live life to the fullest!" I agree wholeheartedly with her. Thank you Christina for having the courage to share your story and writing a powerful book that will change the lives of all who read it.

*****An amazing, true story of heartache turned into hope, tragedy into triumph and brokenness into healing. A must read for anyone who has been bruised by life or who's searching for fulfillment and purpose, or for a serious page-turner. A story of adventure, encouragement, sadness and inspiration this is the story of a life that will forever change you and leave a beautiful mark on your heart. Christina DiMari is a pillar of strength, a light for everyone in the midst of life's storms.

From Readers around the World:
*****Your book was such an inspiration to me and I wanted to thank you for writing it. My problems growing up weren't nearly as bad, but I had some definate struggles. Your insight on the entire situation was such a blessing in my life. I also love to go to the beach and stare into the water and watch the waves. I have always said that I feel like when I am at the beach the Lord is holding me and swaying me like a mother does to her child. I feel so connected to Him there, its the best feeling! Reading your book has truely brought inspiration and fire back into my heart. I have always had a desire to work with children in school, or in some sort of orphanage. Your book re-lit that passion of mine. Im not sure what to do next, but I am taking your advice and just trying to listen to God and take the fist step. I was wondering if you knew about any great places that help young girls out? Also, I was wondering if you were aware of the child sex trafficking that is getting more and more common these days. This world is a sad place but thank you for reminding me to keep my eyes focused on God and to grow in him and listen to him to find direction in my own life. God bless you and your family Christina! I cant wait to start my own family and do the right way, as you are, and more importantly how God designed it to be.

*****Your book is truly inspiring and came at such a good time in my life. I just got back from living in Costa Rica and I'm trying to figure out what's next. Your book helped fill me with hope of God's love and how he wants to use us for His glory. God is so personal - I love it!! I wish I could get all my friends to read your book. :)

*****I finished your book today and I loved it! Your book brought me to tears and made me laugh so much! I just wanted you to know that I loved your book! Everyone who reads it will be blessed because you shared. Thank you for telling your story and sharing your hurts and triumphants!

*****I learned about Ocean Star Gifts from the Book 'Ocean Star'. Wow! What a moving experience that was for me. I share the same devotion for the ocean as Christina and the book really moved me. I just walked up to the book shelf at my Church and I swear it jump out at me.one of Gods messages I suppose

*****I was shopping in a little store in Sarasota and found "Ocean Star" and bought it, I went on vacation the following day and read the whole thing I could not put it down. I fell in love with the book, I have a special plan for some of my friends involving passing it on!

*****Thank You so much for your book. A friend gave it to me at Christian Surfers and I read it in 3 days. It was amazing. Thank you for sharing your life and your heart. I have gone through similliar situations and am currently healing and letting God work in my heart.

*****My friend let me borrow her book Ocean Star. I had just broken up with my boyfriend and had been kind of going through a bit of a rough patch in my life. I started reading this book and just immediatly fell in love with it. I couldn't put it down. I feel like that so much. Christina's life wasn't perfect and def. wasn't easy and reading this is amazing learning how she took something not so beautiful and turned it into something amazing. Now, starting to read this book and learning from Christina's life I know what life I want to live. I know that I want to live a life for God. I realize that I wasn't put here to live my own life and party and get drunk. I am here to serve God and to bring people to Him. Christina's book is so wonderful. Just like in her book God doesn't always answer in the ways we anticipate. He could answer in the next song, person, verse, or book. For me right now it's praying and reading my Bible as well as reading Ocean Star and learning how Christina took control of her life and how she turned something tragic into something beautiful.

*****On christmas we got a card from your website and my mom went to the website and got the book, now i'm reading it and ITS MY FAVORITE BOOK EVER!!!!!! I've been highlighting all of the things i like in it and what gives me inspiration.

*****I just finished reading Ocean Star. What an amazing book. It was just what I needed. I have been looking for something to inspire my journey to God; and this was it! Thank you!

*****just finished reading your book, Ocean Star. What a ride! I was a little sad the first few chapters reading how hard your homelife was as a child but the more I read the more joyful and excited I became as I realized how big our God is. How awesome of Him to reveal Himself to you at such a young age. I was in a Beth Moore bible study with your cousin, who gave me your book to read. The light that exudes from your story and who you are is so bright it makes me smile. Thank you for your transparency and willingness to reach out to so many others

*****My mom is going through her journey to be healed of cancer. She calls me "her rock" and I thought this book would give me insight and inspiration.

*****Just a note to thank you for having the courage to write your book. God is definitely speaking through you and your encouragement to others! Everyone has a story in Him, and it is beautiful to share with others so that others may breathe too...Many prayers!

*****I have just finished reading ocean star and it really touched me. I do not have a very good realationship with my mother and can relate to all of the times when you think wow i wish i had my mother to share this with. I have other women in my life and am I am sure I will find more. Thank you for the book it is very inspirational and left me feeling very hopeful that even though i didntl have the best role model for motherhood i can still try to raise my children and be the best mother I can to my children and my neice who i think of as my daughter.

*****Thank you so much for this book. I hope you sell millions of copies. So many of us need to hear it. I have finally gotten to the place where I understand the Jesus is and wants to heal me. In this short period of time he has also sent gifts just as is described in the book as tangible encouragements

*****My brother gave me your book for Christmas, they were selling it at a local surf shop and it was so inspiring, and im so grateful you wrote it. Your childhood was so similiar to my moms it was scary, while mine was definetly not as extreme but was tramatizing for me and it was great to read your story and see how you overcame all your obstacles and come out alright. I am always so worried that i will fall back into the bad habits i experinced from other people when i was younger and it is so empowering to hear that you were able to learn from your parents and not follow in the pattern. It helped me realize that i cant change the past, but i can create my own future and end the cycle. I have read many similiar books and i can never relate to them as much as i could to yours! Thank you so much, God Bless.

*****I was writing to tell Christina what an amzing read your book was. My mother in law happened to spot it at Rip Curl in San Clemente where we live and gave it to me for Christmas this year. I am currently in Australia traveling around with my husband and that book has been the most encouraging book I have read this whole month long trip! I never wanted it to end-I really felt like God spoke to me in so many ways through your powerful story, and also could relate to the ways which you describe how God speaks to you and the ways he chooses to do that. People are always amazed and telling me how crazy God speaks to me in such cool ways, and I could really, really relate to you. In fact, before I came on this trip to Australia, I was walking down the SC pier having a downer of a day and just looking out over the ocean praying to God and as I walked back toward the start of the pier, written in HUGE lettters in the sand was "God Loves You" and I knew that was for ME and me alon at that moment. Thanks for being used by God in mighty ways-I am going to buy many copies of your book when I return home and pass them around to all the girls in my life. Oh, and how funny it was at the end of the book to find two of my friends in that black and white photo at the beach-it made my whole day! Thanks and keep it up! Blessings galore

*****First of all I want to thank Christina for touching so many of the Wonderfully Made girls, one of whom I met while studying abroad. She gave me Ocean Star to read, I loved it!

*****Christina, have just finished reading your book and I am so amazed about how our story is so much alike. It took me 37 yrs. to "let go and let God" work in my life. We also had 5 children in our family. My dad also had died from a heart attack and my mother took out her anger on me out of all the kids. I found a set of pearls at my dad's accident site and I know that they came from God. He was the only one besides my husband at the time that knew I wanted some pearls for my birthday that year. I am so proud that you are determined to make a difference in others lives. I truly believe that is why God puts us through some of the circumstances that leads us to him. I thank God for the "pearls" that he has put in my life to bring me where I am at today. God truly blesses those that are obedient

*****I just finished reading "Ocean Star" and was so touched by it that I want to purchase 2 copies to pass on to friends. I encourage you, Christine, to keep doing what you're doing because you're touching many lives. God is using you in a most powerful way.....helping us to understand our mixed up families and know with God's help we can have the courage to live a happy and fruitful life. God bless you and ALL of your family

*****I just read about you and your work in Radiant magazine. I am taking graduate courses toward a masters in counseling and my dream is to inspire girls and teens to embrace life, live in faith and live confidently with the gifts they've been given. You have inspired me!

*****Thank you for showing me a new way to interact with God, for showing me the importance of other women in my life, and for giving me the chance to be inspired by the incredible woman that you are.

*****Just read your book "Ocean Star and going to pass it on to my daughter who is going on her own journey soon......It was a wonderful book thanks for sharing...

*****I just finished this amazing book and would highly recommend it to everyone who is a mom, has a mom or wants to become a mom. This book made me so thankful to have had a great mom and challenges me to become the very best mom ever. I read the book myself and then bought one for everyone I know. It is a true story about how to navigate through life with a real message of encouragement and hope.

*****After reading Ocean Star I will hug my kids a little longer every night and thank my parents and grandmother for always being there for me and my kids.

*****Thinking of you girl! Pray that you are blessed....keep on chasing God's dream for you - it's making other girls' dreams come true too!

*****Hello dear Christina, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story on your book. I know it is a God thing, but it really spoke to me. I, too, never had a mom or dad. We just got back from Brazil and I started your book while on the plane going there and I finished it on the way back. My story is long and maybe we will have the opportunity to go for walk... I would love to learn more from you. It is funny, it feels like I know you but I know you don't know me! God is so faithful, I totally relate with you in so many aspects... I know I have lots and lots to learn about being the mother God wants me to be. But He has been so faithful, he does supply for all our needs... and I know reading your book helped me to look back and go to dark places that I thought would not hurt anymore. Thanks again and let's see what God has in mind. Let's see if our future will cross! He knows.

*****You have changed my thoughts on life and family forever. I have a gold dolphin ring with 2 dolphins intertwined that I wear and now I look at it with different meaning.

*****I read this in ONE day! Its so well written. Christina had me within the first paragraph... I had to read her story. Its a story of courage, as the author takes you back into her childhood and along her journey of faith with the God that heals her broken life; giving her an incredible message of healing to all the other broken ocean stars. This book will be life-changing... you MUST read it.

*****Hi Christina! What a cool Pearl Girls section you added on the website! It's so encouraging there's more girls and I think we're all so similar in what we search for. I can't tell how excited I am every time reading all the stories. Actually I have given your book, Ocean Star, to a few friends now, from Holland and Austria and they all love the book!

*****Dear Christina, I’m actually not quite done with your book. I think I have 2 more chapters to read, it’s hard to put down! I read about your events, how I’d love to attend one of them. We have 3 little boys, just reading your book has even helped me with parenting, as well as, other areas in my life. I cannot thank you enough for writing that book. I mentor a couple of girls who are in high school and a couple on the horizon that are in jr. high. I’m not sure why, but I have such a heart for girls. This book will be a great tool to put in their hands!

*****Hi Christina, I live in North Carolina, and I heard about your book from my friend who had bought it, and she let me borrow it to read it. She actually painted her room to the same colors as your second wedding service. She loves your book so much. I am 20 years old, married, and I have a beautiful 2 year old son. I just wanted to write you because I just read your book Ocean Star and I loved it. It touched my heart like no book ever has. I didn't have a childhood quite like yours, but I did have some people in my life that I had to learn to forgive, and move on from like you did with your mother. I have been a christian since I was 4. But I never knew that God could come to people like He did to you. I've heard of it before, but it's never happened to me. I've seen Him work in my life, but not to that extent. Your book makes me want to have that. I want God to come to me and talk to me the way He has done with you. How can I do that? I want to be at peace with my life and know that things will be ok. I admire you so much. Thank you for writing this book and sharing your story. I'm sorry for the things you had to go through, but at the same time it's good in a way that you did so you could become who you are. I want that same thing. I want to have the affirmation you have.

*****Hey Christina! I absolutely and completely enjoyed your book! Like you I built a tower and hid a bunch things there. God is breaking that tower down, but I’m at a place where no one in my immediate circle understands why. I can't even begin to explain how much you sharing your heart has helped mine. I know its ok and it all will be ok. Thank you!

*****I met a nice lady on vacation in Cancun, Mexico. My husband and I were on vacation alone as was she and her husband. We happened to sit right next to them on the beach and we began to talk. After a couple of days together she offered me her book she had just finished. I was a little hesitant since we were going home in 2 days but I read the first page and was hooked. It reminded me of my own life and I became very curious about what was to come page after page. I began to live her life through this book and the emotions were all to real to the emotions I had stuffed way down deep inside of myself. It was motivational as well as therapy into my own feelings from a dysfunctional childhood. This story reaffirmed for me that even through hardships that hope, faith and the belief in God can make anything possible. I finished the book in the 2 days and have since thought about her story from time to time. It feels good to know that dysfunction in a family can be defeated because you are living proof. Thanks for your story.

*****I am so grateful for you Christina for coming into our lives and changing them forever through your book, Ocean Star! You are a true Pearl.

*****Our struggles in childhood have similarities, but most importantly, our journey in growing with, depending on and walking with Christ are much alike. I've been amazed how surprised people are when I share information about my relationship with God; he definitely wants to shine His light through us to those around us. Your book impacted me most in how it confirmed my special encounters with God and His Holy Spirit. I, too, have experienced moments of extreme radiance as His presence fills my heart. One time in particular, (as you described in Ocean Star), the feeling was so overwhelming and welcoming that I didn't want it to end. Never having shared that moment with anyone before, I was so taken aback by your same description. As you've said, He knows us all and our purpose is to be His vessel. What a beautiful vessel He has in you.

*****I'm 18 years old and have spent my entire life living on the Outer Banks (hatteras island) in North Carolina. This year I began my freshman year in college at East Carolina University. I never realized just how much I would miss the beach and my family and friends! I have struggled so much this year with meeting new people who share the same interests as me, it has been very tough. This past Thanksgiving Break, I was relieved to go home and visit with the family and go to Christian Surfers. Our leader's wife gave me Ocean Star and told me how awesome the book was. I started the book as soon as I got back to Greenville, and I finished within two days. This book has touched me in so many ways! It really touched my heart when Christina talked about the Philippines, because missions in helping children other countries have always been on my heart. The book really taught me to lean on Jesus. Since I have been out here, I have been searching for someone here to talk to about Jesus, and I haven't found that person. Now, I realize that I need not only patience, but trust in Jesus and He will bless me more than I could ever imagine! Your story truly touched me; I want to buy all of the women in my life pearls for Christmas! haha, Thank you so much and God Bless you!

*****Christina, Our book club at Calvary Episcopal Church reviewed your wonderful book entitled OCEAN STAR this last Monday night. In reading and discussing your book, Ocean Star, some of our members were introduced to you. Your sharing of your life's journeys was an inspiration to us. Many thanks for such an inspiring and well written book. I totally agree with you that God has a special plan for each person. I do believe you are following His plan. Keep up the good work!

*****Hi Christina, I am from Canada. I am 28 years old. A co-worker lent me your book to read because she thought it would help me with some of my stuggles. I am going out today and buying my own copy of your book, so I can read it again and lend it to others that may need help. My parents didn't have a good relationship...they were like oil and water...not a good mix! My mom has been an alcholic ever since I can remember. I wish I had good memories of her...but I don't. My dad committed succide when I was 16.....and when he died we were not allowed to speak of him or talk about him in our house. Mom never got any of us counselling...so now that we are all grown...we all seem to have our own independent issues. Even when I was little I believed in God and prayed to Him many times....I have always been connceted to Him. Right now I am struggling with forgivness. I thought I did forgive my mom....but I don't think I have. I am always having nightmares about her and my childhood. Today, my mom is still an alcholic....she has near lost her life a few times from it..but continues to keep drinking....I try to keep my distance from her....but I can never seem to keep my distance from the bad memories I have of her and my childhood. I am resentful that she isn't the mom I want her to be. To my friends I am outgoing, always happy......but on the inside I feel down and like there is something missing...but I can't figure out what it is. My dream would be to be able to help others....like you have. I pray God will help me....will show me the way to do that. When I read your book....I felt like I conneted with you, as weird as that may sound, but your book really helped me see that anything is possible if you BELEIVE and pray. Sometimes I forget to believe. I would love to be signed up for your weekly Happy Monday notes!!!

*****Hi -I found you by reading the back of one of your cards purchased at Sundance Beach in Goleta, CA. It inspired me and excited me, as did your website when I got there! I finished the book, Ocean Star, and wept tears of sadness and joy! What an inspiration. This all could not be more timely on the planet! Thanks! I cannot believe how your book, the channeled book, Ask and it is Given, Regena Thomashauer's book, Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts, Linda Kohanov's book, Riding Between the Worlds, and Holly Morris' Adventure Divas all fit together and are saying the same empowering and validating message for women whether from the ocean, an equine healing center, or downtown Manhattan!

*****Dear Christina, I’m just home from aerobics, trying to make dinner and I cannot stop thinking about you and your (our) story. I'm totally freaked out by the similarities! I am very aware of the fact that God is speaking to me through you. I got your book last week at church, and am now rereading it for the second time with highlighter in hand. I am an ocean girl from Long Island. I plan on writing again when I finish rereading, and am so interested in being a pearl for your girls. I praise God for blessing me with you as one of my pearls. Peace, light and love,

*****Hey, Christina! Just wanted to let you know I read your book...couldn't put it down. I cannot believe your life story...you are TRULY amazing! The book is so hip and fresh, too. "What a trip"! I have passed the book to many other of my friends. My friend wanted me to tell you she thought it was really good, too. Thanks again for letting me and so many others into your life. Please keep up the wonderful work that you do. What a blessing to have been called to such an important task in life as spreading self-confidence and open-mindedness to people in the most
impressionable points in life.

*****Hi Christina! I just finished reading Ocean Star and words can’t express how powerful, touching and inspiring your story is! Thank you so much for sharing your story with the world, I can see how it is shining a bright light for many girls including myself!

*****I just finished your book, and your story is truly powerful, especially for young girls who have had similar pasts. Considering what has happened to you, I am amazed how God worked in your life, so many wonderful blessings: your husband, 2 children, your education, your determination to keep going, your ideas to further your dream, etc. Once I began the book, I could not put it down; I devoured it. Best Wishes for Your Success,

*****Hi Christina, I met you this summer at ICRS in Denver when I went through your book signing line. Anyhow, I just got the chance to read your book and I just want to say thank you for telling your story. I also appreciate and relate to your courage to venture into the pit in order to become whole. In matters of how God works and speaks into our lives, we have much in common. All the amazing things God did in your journey to show you His personal intimate love struck a chord with my own story with Him. I love reading about others who experience the same kind of personal relationship with Him. One of the things He used in my past to greatly teach me was an opal. In a nutshell, I had no idea how they were formed but He told me one day that I would use the opal to explain my redeemed life to others. I then researched those fiery brilliant little stones to discover that they are formed in areas of great blows or devastation to the earth's surface. The beauty comes BECAUSE of devastation, not in spite of it! I had no idea. Anyhow, that is a very small part of my own testimony.

*****Hi Christina! Thank you for the awesome workshop at Cardiff yesterday! The girls I brought really enjoyed it, and, like I said, if I can get more girls, I will see you in Dana Point. You did a great job. I didn't get a chance to tell you how much I enjoyed your book (and so has everyone I have given one to). It is an incredible journey of faith and courage. My journey was different, but I can't believe how I connected with you on all the "other" things - being a surfer-beach girl, living in and loving the Jackson Hole area, even making my poor husband wait a month before I accepted his marriage proposal (I just didn't know if I was ready to "settle down"), not to mention that I have 2 boys, 14 and 16 years old. And I think you like being outside as much as I do!
Anyway, I just want to encourage you in your mission with these girls; you ARE making a difference. And I pray for you, personally, to continue the work that God has given you. I pray for your health to be strong. I pray for the help you need so that you can be free to be sensitive to the whispers of God. And I pray that God will continue using this in the way only He knows.
If you need help in Dana Point, let me know as I am free that afternoon. Thank you for all you do, and all God is doing in you! Keep on Shinin'!

*****Thank you for sharing your life in such a real and amazing way! I live on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I read quite a bit. But, until reading your book I had never read an entire book in one sitting. I started reading Ocean Star on my flight from Cincinatti to Seattle and finished it before the flight landed. I laughed, cried and was moved very deeply by all that you shared. It is always amazing to learn that there are others who have suffered more or who are suffering
more at the moment than we are or have. It is so good to have the perspective of someone else's hurting and surviving. I understand your desire to find other women to learn from and grow with. I think we need each other and that the Lord designed us that way. I also loved the story about
how you and your husband met. I know that the Lord has made me for someone and him for me, but as of yet we haven't met. It was just one more reminder to me that the Lord can and will bring two people He has designed for each other together, however He wants to and whenever He wants to. I wait in great expectation! God bless you, sincerely, in all that you are doing to promote His great love!

*****Dear Christina, How amazing that God is using you in such a significant way in the life of others. Did you ever think?:) I too was very inspired by your story. I found little nuggets of gold all throughout that touched me where I am, albeit my background is different. I am sure many feel like this, as the Holy Spirit know which parts in each of our stars are broken. One thing I want to share is that throughout your story you mention Michael and the fact that he is a musical performer, and it seems as if he's well know & somewhat famous in his own right. I too am married to someone who is well know, he "shines" already, he knows exactly what God has for him. But I know what is meant for him, the way he "shines" is not mine, I don't want to hang on his coat tail, that is not what God has for me. Your book has inspired me to search deeper for my path/ journey/purpose. Thank you for sharing you story, What once seemed too confusing to even chase after, seems within reach now! I am inspired!

*****HI! I am almost done reading your book my dear friend Lindsey gave me. I am at the part where you finally discovered the truth about your father. It has been a happy, sad, gripping story so far. I understand the feelings of "fear and running away". After reading the part about you quitting drugs after you found the Lord(rather he found you), I quit smoking 9 days ago! Thank you soo much for being so transparent. I just turned 45 Aug. 14th and live so close tot he beach. I have always been a beach girl, going to Sanibel Island as a baby and though out my grade school and highschool years. You are a blessing and God is using you in a mighty way! Who knew huh?? I think your book should be a movie and Chelsea Noble should portray you. (Kirk cameron's wife) She is so pretty just like you and has a heart for God.

*****Uh huh.....oh yeah.......Ya-hoo! Yee - haw! Ocean Star made our top 5 list this week!
~michele at San Clement Rip Curl store.

*****Your book Ocean Star is a beautiful, honest, and powerful testimony to hope, healing, and the journey to wholeness. It really is a gift to the reader and a tribute to God's greatness. May God bless you and your message. In His Service, Robyn Henk (author of BLESSED).

*****I am about to turn twenty.I read your book all in one day and bawled my eyes out. I have been living with a man for over a year in total turmoil. I kept telling myself maybe it will get better but I knew in my heart it never would. After listening to her story and putting it with my life, it was a match. My real father abused me (physically) and my boyfriend cursed at me every time he spoke. This book made me come to realization of what I could have and in three hours I was moved out today; July 31. I may miss him, but I will never miss the verbal abuse. Thank you so much for telling your story and giving me the strength to do what the Lord has planned for me. I am now moving to the beach to work at a Christian store. Maybe the Lord has something great that I would have never thought of. Thank you so much!

*****Christina – I loved your book! I left my corporate job in Public Relations, to join Young Life staff, an outreach to middle and high school kids. While I was blessed to grow up in an amazing Christian family, I am finding that the community I've been called to has a lot of hurting, broken "stars". I was meeting with a young girl tonight, hearing some of her story. Wow. She's basically been on her own since 14. Her parents, in another state, are drug addicts. She was abused all through her childhood. She's living with an aunt and uncle now. She just took a surf lesson today, as she's wanted to learn. I sat there thinking... why does this almost seem familiar? THE BOOK! :) I was so excited. I told her I had the perfect book for her to read. I'll give it to her tomorrow. I have MANY more girls that could benefit from Ocean Star too. Thank you for sharing your story, as I feel it's given me another tool to use with many of the girls I'm walking alongside in their journey of faith.

*****Dear Christina DiMari, I'm sure you get a lot of email like this but I just feel I need to say Thank You! A friend of mine gave me your book as a gift....little did he know I have been well very unhappy lately and been going and doing some counseling with a pastor at a local church here but I am not currently going to church (which I need to) long story...anyway, I have not been able to go see the pastor as he and his wife have been on vacation for about 3 weeks, well I have been caring my bible around and reading and highlighting some scriptures he has given me and then a week ago my friend gave me your book and I have not put it down and I hardly read books, it truly is an inspiration I have tried so hard in the past to stay on my journey and ask for help or just guidelines but after reading I have realized it is truly all about me and GOD and I know he is always here I just have to find out how we communicate...sorry I am babbling... Thank You....I have so much I want to say to you I just want to be a better person for myself and my daughter. I need to be stronger in faith and get back on my journey I desperately need and want God, I feel very broken and need to fix my star ..... thanks again...

*****This book has totally and completely inspired me. I have read Christian books before but I have never really gotten into them. When I was given this book by an older woman I had no idea what kind of an impact it would make on me. This book is completely different from any books I have read in the past. When Christina described some of the visuals she had that also helped me to picture God guiding and teaching me. Another thing that I have never read before the conversations that she put into the book. That also helped me to imagine God being tangible. I just want to thank you very much for writing your story and I can't begin to describe the impact your story has made on me. One of the things that hit me the hardest was how Christina had so many talks with God. That is something that I have always wanted to experience and I still do. I just turned 16 and my spiritual life is somewhat lacking. I would really like to get closer with God and be able to have the kind of relationship that she had. If you could respond back and help me get started because more than anything I would like to be able to hear and see God. Can you help me?

*****I heard your interview with Char Binkley today on WBCL radio, Fort Wayne, IN. I ordered your book, Ocean Star. It sounds like it could be helpful in my own journey of healing. I have been working on trying to recognize the lies I have grown up believing because of the abuse that I experienced. After examining the lies, I have worked at finding God's truths in Scripture with which I can replace the lies. There are so many lies because there was so much abuse. For the first time in my life, I believe that I will be able to find healing through God's love and Scripture. I have also been working through forgiveness towards the people who hurt me. This has helped to get rid of the anger and hatred that I carried around for so many years. I'm looking forward to reading your book and receiving more help in dealing with my childhood. There has to be an end to all this somewhere. Thank you for doing the interview today.

*****Christina, Hi!!! My name is Jessica McLean. Allie from Wonderfully Made told me about your ministry and showed me your website!! God Bless You!!! You are taking your gifts and using them for the Lord! We have similar hearts because God has definitely given me a burden for women's ministry, especially young girls having to live in this generation! I am so stoked that you used the "Ocean Song" for your myspace page!! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be a part ofyour ministry any way I can!!! I am almost done recording my album right now!! It should be done end of September! Let me know if there is any way that I could help with your ministry!!!! God Bless You!!! I would love to read your book! Keep up the faith!!! Jessica McLean

*****Hi Christina! I could hardly put your book down. I am so inspired by your courageous story. From start to finish I knew that your story was like a “pearl” for me to learn and grow from. I too share a connection with the ocean. I’ve always used it as my place to sit and write and find God on days when I seem to lose direction. So much of your story spoke to me about the woman I hope to be someday. I want to thank you for sharing your story with me, and for leaving a lasting impression of God’s love for each of us. I have learned so much from reading your story and I can’t wait to share it with my friends and high school small group of girls that I work with weekly. Keep shining for all to see.

*****I enjoy your book so much and there so many wise life lessons in there, all I long for is a stable and purposeful life with a family, but I also enjoy the road I am traveling with God at the moment, I spend so much time in the water and in the snow and I love it, I only search for a way to mean something for other people, but I have more than ever the trust and faith that He is guiding me. I have deep respect for you how you survived through it all and managed to get through it all by yourself and with your dolphin pod. I get so inspired by your book, that I didn’t wait for your reply and already ordered extra copies at the American bookstore in The Hague ;), I wanna share this book with my friends and think I will order a few again in a month or so. If you need any help or if I need to do something for your book in the Netherlands just let me know. Maybe we could organize something in the Netherlands, I am very enthusiastic about your book. Keep shining all over the world Christina!!!

*****Hey, I’m a 13 year-old girl from Ohio. I just read your book and I wanted to say it is so amazing. I haven’t really ever been physically abused by my parents, but well its a lot more complicated. I was really interested in creating more of a spiritual relationship with God. When He talks to you did you really hear Him in your head or was it... something else? Your experiences seem so amazing I wish something like that would happen to me. Can you tell me more about it?

*****I had to often just shake my head as I read your book as I have had my strength from the Sea also, in Holland! Once when I was in despair I decided I was going to swim in to the North Sea (ocean we called it also, but it was the North Sea) and just keep swimming till I would sink....... and first I sat at the top of the dunes, staring at the water and the waves, taking in their sounds and talk to God. I wish you success in all you are doing.

*****Christina...It amazes me how God connects us all through her threads of light.. and that sometimes they are so powerful you can even see them. Your book did a wonderful job of bringing this light through your words. I enjoyed reading it and it strengthened my faith. It inspired me too ... I wrote "God loves you" in big letters on the beach ( I knew someone needed that message) and helped to ground my own faith. As a school counselor it will help me better reach the kids that I serve... some so tormented in their domestic world. You helped me to understand family dynamics and the power that is sometimes needed to overcome obstacles. My daughter is still absorbed in the page turning and it has opened up some great discussion between us. Thank you God for your touch and best wishes to your latest endeavors. Peace and Joy

***** Hi, I attended one of your work shops at Santa Clara University a few months back and purchased your book. All I can say is thanking you for sharing your story with me. I know what it feel like to have a parent not care for you and think more of themselves than their children. Like you, I have been trying my best to forgive my dad and others who have hurt me. However, I soon figured out that I couldn't do such a hard task without God's help. A few months back I wholeheartedly pleaded for God's help and promised not ignore him any longer. See, for the longest time I thought God had forgotten about me, but in reality I was really ignoring Him. However, after I stop trying to everything on my own and let God into my life again he started sending me my own pearls. You happen to be one of them. Reading your book made me feel like I wasn't the only one struggling with these types of issues. The big message I got out of your book is that I am not on a path to find God. I am actually on a path to the true self that God intended and that he is walking with me, guiding me every step of the way. The hard part is trusting he is there even though I can't see him. I have to trust that he will make himself known, and that it is my job to look for him. Thank you so much for putting your life on paper and I look forward to sharing my findings in your book with others whose stars aren't completely put together.

*****Dear Christina, I went to Southeast this morning (for Bob’s last Sunday…incredible…) and an older lady in the church ( older to me anyway) was recommending I read your book. I smiled and nodded (but did not plan on buying your book, after all, when would I have time to read it?) and changed the subject. After church I passed the bookstore and decided to go in. I had never been in the bookstore, but my curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to check out this book my friend was recommending. I went to the register and asked for a book with the name “Star???” The lady at the register knew right away the book I was speaking of and brought it to me. I figured I would go ahead and buy it...after all, it was going to a good cause, right? I started reading your book as soon as I returned home from first service, and read it from cover to cover. This book is awesome! It really touched me. I was abused, and God has brought so much healing into my life. He has brought me many “pearls” that have helped me in my journey towards healing. My prayer is that God will use my story as well to touch girls who have had the same experiences. I think what sums it up that is so true is that your past does not have to define your future. God is so faithful and truly does bring beauty out of ashes. God bless you as you continue to help those who are hurting.

*****Dear Christina, Hello! I just finished your book about a week ago and wanted to tell you how encouraged I am by it. I've never written to an author before, so I'm not sure
what all to say......I guess I'll just write....I had a childhood which lacked much of the childishness...my mom is pretty much a wreck and I've had much to overcome. Lately I've been through a great deal of stress and I picked up your book hoping for hope and was given just that. My desire is for God to use me in the lives of others, specifically youth...right now He's healing me and its been rough. I found in reading your book, that many of my ways of thinking and some of my experiences echo yours. I've found a church that I'm growing at and serving at the same time, which is totally exciting to me. there are a number of women there too who are becoming my friends and are encouraging me and building me up. I've never had this before and I find it all very exciting. I could completely identify with the pearls that God gave you, because he's given me some too. I've been blown away lately with God's faithfulness and love for me. If you ever come to Pittsburgh or the northeast and need someone to help with a workshop or whatever you can ask me, and I'll bring all my girls with me! Peace to you Christina, Thank you!

***** am just so excited about what you are doing. It is so amazing in your book how you talked about how you prayed to have women in your life to mentor you. It is so crazy because two days before I read that part in your book I had prayed the exact same prayer. I have a few really close girl friends in my life; but I have just really felt like I need older women to talk things over with, and gain wisdom from. It is so obvious in our culture that young girls need advice from older women... so they can learn from them. I also have been feeling like I just want to be involved in something that will make a difference. I am a stay at home mom, which is of course great and I feel so blessed to do this; but at the same time I want to be living out the dreams that I have had since I was a teenager. I want to help girls who are asking the same questions that I was at that age. There is just so much I want to pick your brain about. I saw on your web site the pictures of you and the girls making these binders with pictures and stuff glued in them. What is that? It looks so fun! Recently I took my little sister, Paris, out and we bought what I call an "inspiration book" (which is just a scrapbook). We then bought a bunch of old magazines and cut out pictures to put in them. I had made one of these for myself to look at whenever I am feeling like I need to be inspired. I have put articles about different artists and authors that inspire me, verses, quotes, etc... Your books on the web site reminded me of this.

*****Dear Christina, Just finished your wonderful book for my book club. I cried and laughed and really felt the love and emotion in the book. I can't wait to discuss it at my book club next Wednesday. Your writing kept me turning the pages for more, and really helped me think clearer about the dysfunctional family I grew up in, and helped me learn to be more understanding of my own mom, who grew up without her Mom, because she(my grandma)couldn’t deal with it. I want my mom to read your book. I totally relate to getting into the ocean to surf and the healing power I feel even if I only catch a wave or two that day,the dolphin pods are so special to me to , and in my world my close friends are my pod and we too bring each other the shared pearls of wisdom to get through our everyday life. I feel so lucky to have such a strong bond to them.they are my special family. Thank you for writing this book. If you come to visit CA I loved to surf with you and have you meet my pod.

*****Dear Christina~I just finished your book as I laid out in the sun listening to my 2 sons and husband play in the pool. I too found my art and passion through my struggle which was loosing my sister Karen to breast cancer 5 years ago. I learned to find the courage to write music and sing through my loss. I have a best friend named Elena who has been like a sister to me, she is now pursuing her gift of creating jewelry, so as you can see, I felt we had many connections as I read your story. I have been involved with a group called the Family of Women whom I felt many times you spoke of them in the women you surrounded yourself with. I have been involved with them for the last 10 years working on relationships, setting and achieving goals and being of service in our communities. I want to now focus on helping women embrace their unique gifts and what their purpose here on earth is, as that is what my sister gave to me in her passing. I am usually the one spurring others on to their dreams and am grateful to have that ability, although lately I have felt that I too need encouragement and mentors to help lead me. I will continue looking for my pearls and am so lucky to have a strand already! Thank you for sharing and for the wonderful work you are doing! Thank you again for all you are doing to make a difference in the world! May God continue to bless you on your journey! I hope to meet you in person one day soon!

*****One lunch hour I was reading an international Christian trade publication. (I work in a Christian bookshop in the UK). I found a review of Ocean Star. I thought that sounds an interesting read. (I live by the sea but we don't have surfing in this part of the country, I don't like water much and I can't swim!) Something just appealed to me about your book. I tracked down the distributor and ordered myself a copy. I finished it within a week. I found it moving, inspiring and gripping. We now have a stock copy on the shelves with a review I have written of Ocean Star by it and I will be buying copies for friends. I feel this is an important book to share with others. I spent time by the beach yesterday and bought myself some multi-coloured oceanstar shaped earrings to remind myself of the ways in which God can build us up. Thank you for sharing your story and shining for others. We all need others to shine for us. Even those of us who have had a good home life still have times when things do not go as we would have wished and we need reminding of God's promises. Thank you again.

*****I just finished your book and it is now being passed around to some of my friends and I'm getting ready to order more to give away. I first learned of your book in the Southeast Outlook, and was so intrigued that I immediately ordered one online. When I started reading your book, I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, and rejoiced with you through each page. It was so similar to my childhood--it was as if God was holding up a mirror. Although there are many differences, I connected with every step of your journey because I have been on a similar journey for the past couple years. Thank you for bringing the Ocean to me so that I will continue to allow God to heal the broken pieces of my starfish (love that analogy). God never ceases to amaze me. He can use people in your life that you've never even met. You are now one of my pearls. I thank God for your ministry and all the young girls and women whose lives have been touched through your light that shines so brightly for God.

*****Dear Christina, I just wanted to say Thank you for writing Ocean Star. Your life story is so inspiring and it blessed me so much! There were so many things that you said that really clicked with me. I feel like from the circumstances alone that led up to me getting your book... that I was really supposed to hear about your journey. I really would like to attend one of your workshops and help out in some way. I am a "big sister" with Big Brothers Big Sisters and I would love to take my "little sister" to a workshop. We both live in Louisville, Kentucky. I also have a really big desire to help young girls find direction and meaning in their lives. I used to work as a youth counselor in a facility that helped troubled teenage girls. God bless you and all that you are doing. Keep on Shining!

*****I’m in California, and I have a boat in Dana Point. I was shopping in one of the little stores there and found a silver star fish (gotta have one after reading your book) Anyway, after telling the lady behind the counter why I wanted it, she whipped out your book from underneath and we had a good laugh!!! I actually live up in the mountains, but spend weekends and summers in Dana. I am VERY interested in your workshops and didn’t realize that the cards I’ve been buying the last couple of years were yours :) I teach at a middle school up here, and I always try to “Keep on Shinin!!!”

*****It is midnight, but I had to finish the book......it is life changing and awesome, thank you so much. I am 54. Thank you so much for such a wonderful , healing book, it hit the spot at just the right time.....and the cover really drew me to it! God bless you, you go girl!

*****Dear Christina, Okay, now it’s my turn to praise God with you and for you! My mom also gave me a copy of your wonderful story! I read it last month and loved it completely! I agree that moms especially should protect, nurture and teach their kids so many life skills. Pg. 224…” Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing the innocence of children robbed at the hands that are meant to protect them!” I love being a mother. I experience being called to this privilege with my entire heart. Thank you for walking in the Spirit’s leading and writing your book to encourage all those who read it and to spread the “hope” associated with a life walking with the Lord, our Heavenly Father. I underlined so many of the points you made in your book. Of course I love your references to Ps. 139…reminding me of how special I am to the Lord, and that He desires me to know Him. I love that He told you to simply “Follow Him”…pg. 86. He does the work, we simply follow His lead. I see how much He loves your open and willing heart to be used by Him. I also believe in being flexible and willing to experience Divine appointments…in the midst of my day. Finally, I loved your last couple chapters about “Waves of Blessings” and all the “gifts” you experienced. “Pass it On”…feeling filled up by His source of life allows us to shine for Him and touch others…I associate that feeling with being Salt and Light at every opportunity…in my day. Keeping my eyes open and focused on Him. May our wonderful Lord and Savior touch you in a gentle and comforting way today!

*****Dear Christina, My mom, Glenna Salsbury, was kind enough to pass along your book to me and my sisters. Monica read it first and in light of her VERY busy household, I was amazed that she read your book in one week! She couldn't say enough about it and may very well be in touch with you, too.Then, I went to Maui last week and I, too, read it in less than a week. (It was really magnificent to read it sitting on the beach watching the waves that I was reading about.) Christina, I want you to know what an amazing book this is! Your story, in and of itself, is truly astounding. But your message is truly powerful. For me, personally, I gained a new sense of "expectations from the Lord". I remembered the power in "asking" Him to "show up" and provide wisdom, direction, and road signs! I have a new sense of hope when it comes to praying for things and looking for His answers. In addition, Christina, you do a terrific job of explaining "how" you experienced coming to know Jesus and what it is to have faith in a living God.

*****I live in Laguna Niguel – I was raised in Laguna Beach from the time I was 5. Once you get a hold of your book you can’t put it down. I passed it on to my Aunt Betty who is 87 and she read it in a day – less than 24 hours. My mom took 2 days. (it may have helped that we are all Italians) Yours is a tragic, tearful read but once you embark on your spiritual journey we can relate with where you have been and love your descriptions of the stages the Lord takes you through and the people he surrounds you with. We would all love to meet you sometime when it’s convenient and you are in town. When is your next workshop or speaking engagement? I signed up on your web site to get all the info so please keep me posted. You’ve made me look at ocean stars in a whole different way. I never even paid attention to the fact that they have 5 fingers or prongs or whatever they are called – my favorite number is 5. Take great care and hope to hear from you soon.

*****I attend Southeast Christian Church in Louisville Kentucky and Bob Russell recommended your book Ocean Star on Mother’s Day after your husband played for those who struggle on Mother’s Day because of unhealthy relationships with mom’s. I just finished reading your book this past weekend and I want to thank you for sharing all that you did. Throughout the book I was reminded that it’s okay to come from a messed up family. I remember hearing a sermon by Charles Stanley several years ago that gave me the first glimpse of a feeling that I had hope for a different future than one like my mother. He said “your past influences you but it doesn’t determine who you become.” I pray I can continue to learn from my past but not repeat any of the negative in my family.

*****I just wanted to write to tell you how amazing your book was! I just finished reading it, I could hardly put it down. Your courage, resolve and connection with God that allowed you to face your background with such grace was remarkable.I have already sent a copy to a friend, and am sure I will be doing more of that. You have a unique voice that will help many young women who have been impoverished in their upbringing. You bring such truth and grace in to your story, it is a great encouragement to others! Great work!

*****(From one of Christina’s professor’s in college) Thanks Christina: During a recent 17-day Panama cruise top priority reading for me was to complete Ocean Star. There simply aren't words to express my sense of gratitude to God for what, in His grace, He has done for you and yours. But Praise to Him and Thanks to You for this heart-stirring volume!

*****Oh your book is simply DIVINE in every way! I LOVE the colors - I love the "Feel" and the story is earthshaking!!!

*****I wanted to tell you that the other day, I was browsing in Barnes and Noble and found your book and bought it. Your story gives me hope. I don't want to go into too much, but your abusive home background and how God has restored and healed you really gives me hope that God can heal my hurts from growing up in a similar home. I bought your book on Saturday and couldn't put it down-I found myself relating to a lot of the questions you had asked, and praying the same kinds of prayers. So. I wanted to thank you for sharing your story. I've already reread it and I have a feeling I'll be re-reading it again and again. Too often, I feel like the world shows how 'kids turn out bad' from abusive homes and that doesn't leave much hope to kids that live in homes like that. How awesome that God has healed you from that, and what a blessing your story is to girls like me that often wonder how they'll turn out, due to our home lives!

*****Dear Christina, I am a 13 year old girl who just went to your retreat in Dana Point. I bought your book and just finished it today, hardly able to put it down. You are an AWESOME author and I hope you write more books! Thank you for reaching out to young teens as myself. You are a true pearl in my life! Thank you and God Bless

*****Hi Christina, All I can say is, "Wow". I loved this book!! I laughed, I cried, I got goose bumps but most of all I was inspired to look at my own life to ask myself if I was living my life the way God intended it to be. No matter how lonely the path of life may seem, you are never alone. You just need to keep connected to God. He will send you support in your journey to find your life's purpose. A must read for anyone. Pass it on to your friends and your kids too!

*****Christina, Thank you for sharing your story. I just finished your book and although your intent is for helping young women, it has been an emotional journey for me as well. Despite all the business in my life, I could not put your book down. Compelling, gripping and emotionally enlightening. I had to finish your book. Your story is powerful and I will make sure that your book gets into the hands of all who need to hear your story of pain and recovery. Thank you again.

*****Dear Mrs. DiMari, My name is Kelly. I'm a teenager and live in New York. Last weekend, my mother and I were in the bookstore and I saw your book "Ocean Star." I couldn't put it down and so my mother got it for me. I felt like I knew you my whole life. My relationship with God has grown, and I am finding that I need to find some of the pieces to my "ocean star." My parents are divorced, and my father doesn't know God. I was trying to listen to God for help, and found answers after reading your book. I know that I may face struggles, but it will be nice to know that someone else has gone through so much more! I am confident seeing how your relationship with God has grown so strong after your rebuilding. Your book will always be a part of me. You are an inspiration to me and a wonderful role model!

*****As I read my sister Christina's memoir, I cried, I laughed, I felt sad, I felt inspired. As I relived the terror we felt as kids, remembered the lack of parental love and support we felt, and the betrayal from family members who did nothing to help protect us five children, only their own, I also revisited all the magical times we spent with Frankie & Lily. They really were our safe place. All five of us had special friends who made us feel safe and special. As the youngest, I never would have survived without my best friend Suzie, a few close friends, my cousin, and of course my sisters and brother. We were raised Catholics, I attended 12 years of Catholic school, yet I did not have a relationship with God. Christina was the one who kept trying to teach me as she walked her journey. I have always believed, but never relinquished my life over to Him. There have always been to many walls up to protect myself. I am now ready to be free. To start my own journey. My hope is that this book touches both children and adults. That those who have lived similar lives will realize they are not alone, and to reach out and trust your pearls in life. To trust and believe in God that he will take care of you if you let Him. For those who were lucky enough not to have lived through abuse, to thank your parents for loving and supporting you, and in turn be the best parent to your children. Love your children as God loves you. Carrie Di Mari

*****WOW! My book came yesterday~ I didn’t put it down till the last page. I just wanted to hug you. Italian women are the strongest of all species (as my 98 yr. old Nonna Rose says) but you have a unique & amazing spirit and gusto, nothing will stop you from moving forward in a positive light. Just your being alive and raising a healthy , happy family is living proof. I have 3 starfish on my mantle which represent to me my 3 teenagers, thru divorce & loss, their injured parts have also become regrown and reborn. After reading Ocean Star I will hug my kids a little longer every night and thank my parents and grandmother for always being there for me and my kids. You have changed my thoughts on life and family forever. I have a gold dolphin ring with 2 dolphins intertwined that I wear and now I look at it with different meaning. Christina, may you continue to be blessed and to pass your gift of Ocean Star onto others.

*****Hey Beautiful…Oh my goodness I’m at a loss for words. I am so amazed at the woman God made you to be…God is revealing so much more of who He is (and what He can do!) to me through your story…you beauty is evidence of His mighty and glorious beauty! I grieve at the loss and pain you and your siblings experienced growing up and it hurts me to watch. I am dumbfounded by your strength…the strong spirit God gave you to keep going through it all. Wow, I can’t even imagine the lives God is touching through this work of art – your life….the life God gave you! I don’t cry too easily but you got me this time! Your story has given me more empathy for my mother and what she and her four siblings went through growing up. I feel so thankful for my parents and am even more encouraged and empowered to walk alongside you and be a light for younger girls. I am so honored to do life with you and shine for His girls! Thanks for sharing your story and thanks for joining Wonderfully Made in reaching so many searching girls…God only knows the lives that will be touched and forever changed!

*****Hi Christina, Ocean Star is indeed a shining work! What a courageous undertaking and marvelous result. I applaud your accomplishment, your faithfulness and the truth that transcends the pages. Not only will your family treasure the legacy y, but others who identify with abandonment, alcoholic, & secrecy issues will find hope and affirmation in your story of strength and revelation.

*****Recently, I talked with the author Christian DiMari. Her book, OCEAN STAR, the true story of a heart lost and found, has just been released to book stores. It is powerful! Buy it! Tell your church family about it! This book will change lives for Jesus Christ! Buy one for your Pastor! Christina is donating several thousand copies to the Library of Hope. What a awesome woman of God this lady is and she loves to reach hurting people! Pray that many lives will be changed through this book. I know thousands of inmates will be! For His Glory! Mel, founder of Library of Hope, CO

*****I wanted to tell you I started your book and I cannot put it down. Love it! I am going to pass it on to my sister for her birthday next week and then have to get some more for friends of mine. There is so much I relate to and I am encouraged to write my story . . . someday. It must have been a great process to look back and design your story, etc.

*****Christina, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be thinking about you as you welcome this new life, the fruition of many, many hours of hard work and sacrifice, this “baby that is being born”! Thank you for being willing to listen to God and being willing to go on the journey with Him, because if you hadn’t- none of this would be happening now! He continually proves His faithfulness, doesn’t He? God IS good! Love you and miss you!

*****Oh my goodness! What an amazing story and written so well! I am on my second go round because there are so many parts of the book that I loved and wanted to reread. I am writing down and making a list. On Thursday morning, I sat and finished the book and I could not concentrate on anything else all day. At first, I felt like I was grieving for your childhood. I felt really sad. Then, I felt proud of you for being able to move forward and Shine the Light! As I was writing this e-mail, I went downstairs to get some coffee and my husband noticed a tear in my eye and asked what was wrong! I laughed and said nothing is wrong, I am just writing to Christina and her book has evoked so many emotions and this tear is actually a tear of happiness!

*****Dear Christina~WOW! Its all I can really say right now.... as I still sit and absorb your book. I am moved beyond description. I feel like you are a friend of mine..... a dolphin in my pod :-) Where do I begin..........Well - this morning after I packed my high school son's lunch and sent him off to school..... kissed my husband good-bye and bid him farewell on his commute .... I got a cup of coffee and with my afternoon meeting cancelled and my laundry processing...... sat down to 'browse' the beginning of your book. Well..... 5 cups of coffee later.... and six and-a-half hours later.... I had finished your book!.... still in my pajamas with my confused cat purring in my lap. You see.... I never sit down long enough for her to snuggle me... that's my husband's job :-)...... I can't believe I read your book from start to finish.... from acknowledgments to end notes.... AND visited your web site in one morning/afternoon. ..... and I'm still awake! Your story is truly amazing... and your storytelling ability pulled me in with the very first paragraph. Wow. I could almost feel, smell and hear the ocean and feel the cool, moist air when you ran away to your hiding place. I cried and laughed and prayed along with your stories. What an astounding connection you have with the Holy Spirit that speaks to you... and what an impact this will have on women worldwide - as they view hope for their own lives within the pages of your story. I am SO excited to be one of the first to have read your book. I would love to send a review for your web site - but was not able to do that yet on your web site. Oh how God will bless so many through your story. You are His vessel - out on the sea.... letting him fill you up and point you in the right direction to bring His hope and blessings and healing message to all the other Ocean Stars.

*****Thank you for telling your story in Ocean Star. I loved reading it. At times during the book I would be speechless as my jaw would drop and at other times would laugh so hard, especially when you got married. I then would find myself crying. At the end I was so happy and found I wanted to be star as well! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I know it’s going to help girls my age who are just starting high school as well as girls and women of all ages. I’m now “passing it on” for my friends to read.

*****I just finished your book yesterday on the plane on the way home from Maui (spring break).Just as the wheels touched down on the run way I turned the last page. WOW your book made me cry, laugh, cry, praise God, and think a lot about how God works in all of our lives. You are such an inspiration to me! Thank you for sharing your story!

*** Dear Mrs.Dimari, I'm sure you get at least hundreds of e-mails from people a week explaining to you just how much your book meant to them, and well I'm just another one. The difference with me though, is that I can not relate to any of the difficult experiences you went through in your childhood, but I can relate to you in many other ways. For one, there is nothing I love more then being at the beach. It is all I have ever known since the day I was born. I could practically swim before I could walk, and I walked on sand before I had ever walked on grass.

I am 14 years old and I have amazing parents, a safe home, and the best of friends. Many call my life perfect, and I'm not saying I would disagree, because I am above and beyond thankful for all God has blessed me with. But just because I am so lucky, does not mean the people I love are just as fortunate. I have six best friends, they are my dolphin pod. We are so different then any other girls I know with their friends. We don't get in stupid fights with each other and we don't gossip about each other either. We all know how lucky we are to have found one-another. But my friends have traumatic issues with their lives at home. Nobody outside of our group knows the things they go through, and I am probably the only one inside the group that hasn't had to experience these situations. So the point in me wanting to talk to you, is to tell you how much your book has effected me. Just because I do not go through the pain you and my friends have, does not mean I do not understand. You have become a huge role model for me. I have told everyone I care about about your book and many of them are planning on buying it. Although my love for God is already very strong, you make me want to learn and grow more with him. Thank you so much for being so amazing. God had planned for you to be on this earth, and he had even greater plans for you once you got there. Kelly...from note above...shared this poem she wrote with Christina...remember, she is only 14 years old!

This poem is PROFOUND!!!!!
BUBBLE
This bubble of mine is so safe
Protected from what we wish away
But just because I cannot touch the pain I do not have
Does not mean I cannot see the ones who’ve fell
I reach out my hand and try and rescue those who suffer
But all the fake smiles and hidden tears
Is what makes them impossible to discover
Standing as if they are so strong and cannot break
But take a closer look and see it is their future that’s at steak
So used to pretending nothings wrong and everything’s alright
They do not realize all their happiness is completely out of sight
Such a serious lesson to be learned at so young an age
That their protection is no longer a bubble, but a cage
Trapped inside with no way to be free
I feel so guilty to be thankful that this prisoner is not me

*****I just had to write you & let you know what an impact Ocean Star had on me!! I couldn't put it down. You are a true inspiration to anyone who has ever lost hope for her future. Your way of writing is sooo captivating. It read as agreat movie in my mind. .The fact that you are as crazy about the ocean and love the beach as much we do also playsa huge part, I'm sure!!

*****Hi Christina, You book made me want to burst out of the cage I feel I'm in and conquer the world at my age (47). You've been through a lot. I laughed and I cried when reading your book and felt like I got to know a friend. I've been trying to get to the beach for years, but lack of funds or time has kept me from it so I settled for the lake every year. I have a lake that I love to go to that is very special to me. There's nothing like being by the water and the peace it brings to you no matter if it is salt water or the fresh water of a lake. Longing for you to bring the beach to us with one of your inland workshops and the healing it will bring.

*****Christina!!!!!!I just finished your book this weekend. Wow – I am so incredibly proud of you. It is truly a work of art. CONGRATULATIONS….on your book, but most importantly on your personal growth and healing, and your courage to share your soul with the world. It will not go unnoticed, and will help many heal their broken hearts.

*****Dear Christina, Congratulations on an amazing book!!!! What an inspiration this book is going to be to so many young women ( and even, us older ones!) Being a grandparent now, you reminded me of how just the little things can mean alot--Thanks for that. May God Bless you and your family in the future with these young women.

*****Christina, Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I'm following ALL of it. You have such an overflow. I pray God keeps you refreshed!! You are such a gift to women in need. You have renewed me and strengthened me. And made me realize how ugly self-pity is. How selfish it is. My life has been hard. However, not as hard as most. And just by your sheer guts and determination and never allowing yourself the indulgence of pitying yourself I am renewed and resolved. Thank you again for sharing your story. Thank you for replying to me. And I miss the ocean too. However, I am from the opposite end, New England. I use to go to the Cape in the Summer and Ski in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine in the Winter. funny... I related so much to you. But not at all...I just can't wait to be stronger...less pitiful. It will happen know. I'm sure of it. Jesus can do it for me. He has shown me through you.

*****I wanted to thank you for sending me a copy of Christina’s book. I felt a strange connection to her as I read her journey. After moving to Northern California I myself have spent some time at Ocean Beach. There, I too have found some peace and serenity within my soul! As I found myself engrossed in the pages of her book I thought about feeling a connection to the ocean, and about my connection with the stars (my middle name is Estell, which means a star.) When I was able to see a little better I could look at the stars all night. I used to look there for serenity also. Several times while reading this book I felt goose bumps and a chill come over me. I also had to wipe away many tears. Christina seems like a beautiful person who has so much to give. It is so rare that people can take such horrible things and turn them into good! I feel like some of my questions (about what happens to people in life) were sort of answered. This book awakened something inside of me, and honestly I’m not sure what it is yet. But Christina shows in her book that it is a journey, not to be conquered in one day. I particularly took note of a line on page 188 when she was talking to her brother about how she sees someone being successful, and she said, “…Successful people are those who can get knocked down over and over again and still keep getting up, looking up and striving to be the kind of people God designed them to be.” I thought that was beautiful. It couldn’t have been better!

*****I’m 16 and have read Ocean Star. It is truly inspiring, showing me that I can become something. See, my life well, isn’t all the best either. And I cried, through out the entire book. My dream is to meet Christina DiMari. I have so many questions for her.

*****My wonderful daughter gave me your book for Christmas. I decided Iwould read it when we took a trip to Mexico in January   I started it while sitting on a beautiful beach. I honestly found the 1^st several chapters very difficult to read. My daughter kept encouraging me to continue. She said it would be worth it and she was right. I was SO touched by your journey. Your spiritual awakening was so touching.

*****There were many things I related too. I was especially touched by your story of the starfish. There was a man selling shells on the beach  I bought every star fish he had  . I love when they call them Estrella de mar.  I also like the dolphin pod symbol. I believe we are called to be light for each other. I related to the brokenness. My husband, the love of my life passed away 7 years ago   I also believe when we are connected to our God Source ,we will be transformedThank you for sharing such a personal journey. You are a beautiful person   

*****Hello, I’m fifteen and reading ocean star right now & it has changed the way I look at books. I truly LOVE ocean star and how this book really inspires me.

*****I live all the way down here in South Africa, I’ve just finished reading Christina’s book Ocean Star, It was a walk down memory lane of my own childhood, in fact my friend read the book and said I must read it as its so similar,to what I went through. Well I couldn’t believe it I got angry, laughed and cried and was so blessed. I praise the Lord for whathe has done he is our restorer and the lover of our souls. Christina thank you for a sharing your story that really encouraged me,to step forward out of the boat and continue with a deeper walk with my Lord, and continue to allow your star to shine.

*****I just finished your book, and you are an amazing woman! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I did not have to go through anything like what you did, but you did help me increase my faith and helped me to count on God more than I already do. I would love to be able to do what you are doing, and help other girls my age to never give up on their dreams. I am only 18, but I have a big heart for God, children, and things like that. I am part of an all girls bible study and one of my leaders who owns a surf shop here in Virginia bought the book for all of us girls, and we are going on an all girls retreat to Nags Head in North Carolina to one of the girls beach houses. We are going to relax on the beach and have a great time ellowship with the lord and each other. We all read the book, and we are going to discuss your book, and your faith, and I cannot wait to share my opinion, and ell how much you have changed my life. Thank you once again for being the woman of God you are, and thank you for staying strong and never giving up on your dreams! Congratulations on letting go of the things that were holding you back. I hope we can all do You’re Designed to Shine next!

*****I just finished reading Ocean Star. I bought it impulsively at a Christian bookstore when I was looking for a biography that some of my girl students might be able to identify with. I am an English teacher at Heritage Christian School in Canada. It was so powerful, I could not put it down. I have a number of students with abusive backgrounds from broken, dysfunctional homes and I am excited about recommending it to them. I will also make sure we get a copy for our school library. I am going to make time later to peruse the products you have for sale as I was thinking that it would be nice to give each girl a card after they have read the book. I was also interesting in looking at the Designed to Shine workbooks. Mostly I just wanted to thank Christina for the book. What a gift for others to draw from. I thank the Lord for wonderful, strong Christian women like her who shine so that their light will help guide others on their spiritual journeys.

*****I live in Texas and just finished reading your book and I have to say it has become one of my favorites. It touched my soul in so many ways, that I can not tell you just one favorite part. The symbolism is out of this world and I connected to all of it! I am on my own spiritual journey and your book came to me at just the right time. And after reading your book, I'd say finding your book was God speaking to me. Over the past few years I bought myself a bible and wrote in the "gift inscription" in the front of the book - "to myself- on my journey to understand." Over the years I have also started to latch on to certain symbols (starfish and pearls) and I can't tell you how ironic your book was to my own symbols. The starfish...... I am a teacher and the past 4 years I have used the "Make a difference" motto in my classroom and my starfish collection is growing. I've even been working on a childrens book with a moral about a starfish. The pearls..... Over the past 10 years I have worked with a youth service group for girls aged 11-20 and one of the phrases I would tell them is "The pearl is in the river" - Really for no reason at all - mostly to keep them thinking when they were bored at an event - but over time it has become a bit of a symbolic bond between the girls and I. In fact one of the girls asked me in October to speak at an event honoring her in March and I fully plan to take the pearl symbolism to new heights. Not to mention - pearls have always been special to me over the years - my grandmother also gave me a strand. Your reference to Mother Theresa touched my soul as well - In fact - I was looking at books in the religious section about her and that is what put me in the place to find your book. I bought it at the book store on Saturday and finished it today.  I can't WAIT to see how my life changes in the weeks to come - I have truly taken on a deeper feeling that I have yet to truly understand, but I am sure my students will benefit from it right away! Thank you for writing such a touching book. Your pain has blossomed into something monumental! I have also been touched with some pain, a little different, a little the same - bit in the spirit of overcoming any adversity is how I internalized your story. I have a list growing of those I know would benefit from your book. Thank you again!

*****I just finished reading Ocean Star and I cant begin to explain how much I loved it. My best friend's mom gave it to me. She underlined several parts of it that she found meaningful. I can't get over how much I relate to the story. I recently found God through my best friend and I couldn’t be any happier. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

*****I just read the book ocean star and from the beginning it took my breath away. I was drawn to buy it yesterday... I felt like there wasn't a choice... and from last night when I was sitting in bed, shaking while I read it, till right now, it had an amazing impact on me. I was fortunate to have an amazing childhood but somehow I have drawn many friends to me who had very similar childhoods to Christina. I already bought the book for 3 of my friends who I felt needed to read it. I also have felt so drawn to be a light for children and people who have had troubled childhoods. I just felt an instant connection with this whole project. Anyways... Thank you!

*****I read your book and I really liked it.  I can relate to it because my mom did drugs and alcohol and my dad hasn't been in my life since I was little.  I live in a group home.  It's not fun.  I miss my mom a lot because she is not in my life a lot and she doesn't come or call when she is supposed to.   She makes me sad and mad.  I remember my mom fighting with my dad to, or fighting with someone.   I have a sister.  She is 22, she lives in Tennessee.  My grandpa died when I was 9, and I miss him.  I wish my mom was in my life.  I'm glad that your life has turned around.  Your book gives me hope that I can have a good life and have kids someday.  I'm good with kids.  I hope that when you come to this area, and I can meet you and be part of your Designed to Shine group.

*****I loved everything that Christina had to share. I could tell that she not only had a relationship with God, but a growing, intimate relationship with God. It made me eager to want to read her book because I wanted to learn more about her and how this relationship came to be between she and God. It took me a week and one day to finish her book. Every spare moment that I had and even some that I didn't I found myself wanting to read the next chapter or two. I have two small children (4 &1/2 year old boy and a 2 &1/2 year old boy) so this was truly a challenge for me as the dishes and laundry piled up this week. I really didn't care because I was so into the book and inspired by all that Christina went through with her family and in her life. I am a believer and am even a pastor's wife, but even people like us need encouragement in our walk with God. I just wanted to encourage Christina to keep shining for God and to share her story and be real. I loved the part in the book where she said that she was singing, "You are all I need" and was just so real about how she needed God to show himself in a more tangible way. I just loved that! That authentic, real, true relationship with God!  Thanks for being your true self and for sharing your life story. May God continue to richly bless you for your service to Him as you advance His kingdom.

I***** read Ocean Star in 2 days , I absolutely could not put it down.  Your story is so inspiring.  I was blown away when I read about the way God' speaks to you.  I could totally relate to it.  I have always felt kind of alone in the fact that I can see and hear God in so many ways.  It seems most people I've come into contact with can't relate.  Well I can definitely relate to you!  So thanks so much for sharing your story.  I hope you will do an event near me soon, I sure would love to attend.

*****"Ocean Star" was given to me by my Aunt and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time in my life!  To give you some background I am a single mom to my darling 22 month old son, Miles. I went from being a free-spirited, sometimes wild chica, living on the edge. I still struggle with addictions to pot and cocaine. I knew in my heart that that person wasn't me and now that I'm a mom I knew it was time to put it all behind me. We all know addictions can be tough to just let go, I pray non-stop for guidance and strength to quit. But would rationalize why a joint in the evenings wasn't so bad, at least I wasn't doing a line.  I have known deep down that smoking was killing my drive to be the person I want to be and def. was clouding my vision of who I was! The part in the book that hit home the most for me was on page 90 "A Fresh Start!" "The first change I made was my attitude a/b smoking pot.  I tried to imagine what God thought a/b me smoking it.  In my mind I heard these words" I'm not asking you to be perfect. I'm asking you to be pure. Don't get these 2 confused. This is not a/b keeping rules; it's a/b letting my light shine through your life" When I imagined getting high, all I could see were clouds of smoke filling up my body and my mind. For me, that visual helped me make a clean break with e'thing that clogged up or clouded my body. The night I realized this, I flushed all my pot down the toilet and never touched it again.  I'm not saying I wasn't tempted to, b/c I was...many times. But I chose not to!" That night at 2 AM, crying my eyes out from the overwhelming spiritual feeling that came over me.  I got out of bed, gathered e'thing that reminded me of smoking, including my pot, put it all in a trash bag, walked down my apt hallway to the trash chute and said out loud "I'm DONE,  this is my night to get back my life, I want you God to shine through my life!" And down the chute it all went!  I 'm proud to say that it's been 3 months since I've smoked. Not a day goes by that I don't think "Oh a joint would be so great right now" But thanks to your words I am truly inspired to life a PURE LIFE! This book was what I needed to get motivated mentally and spiritually!  I have passed "Ocean Star" on to all my girlfriends!  Thank you for writing this book!

*****I was In north Carolina shopping with family in Manteo and found a small book store I was looking for a certain book when something pulled me to the table behind me. the book cover got my attention not just the cover and the amazing coloring but the title. "Ocean Star" i am as well an ocean lover i am pulled to the ocean and i am a huge dolphin lover (huge). i read the back cover and new i wanted it. so i bought ad read it. i finished today. it was mind blowing. i have never read spiritual book before. but i loved it at some point i called my mom and said i did not think i could go on  but something told me "GO ON U WILL SEE"  i couldn't put it down. u are such a amazing women and u have such a gift with god i am in love very much with god we became very much closer i believe went my grandfather went home. i new he was there so were his angles i could feel them all around smiling. i loved ur book it brought u there. i could imagine u running on the beach with ripple by ur side. i am a mother of a 10 year old as i described the book to her she gave me a huge and said thank you. i believe she is one of my many pearls! thank you for sharing your story i will be passing this book around my dolphin pod and i want to share it with a local church. hey what ever happened to the girl u met on the plane going to Anne's house? do u come and speak in north carolina? it so i would love to come to hear u speak. well i probably have chated u to death. all i wanted to say was i really enjoyed ur book.

*****I picked your book Ocean Star. Thought I'd read for an hour before bed. AT TWO SOMETHING A.M. I forced myself to set it down and turn off the light and go to sleep!  I read a solid 2/3 of the book and would rather skip work to finish it than go get in the shower and try to wake up enough to get to the office on time. I finished the book today.  It had me in tears at the end.  you know, that is the first book I have read in  few years (due to lack of time - not lack of wanting to read a good book) and it is so similar to the book I have always wanted to write and then go on speaking tours about and stuff.  While I was reading it I just kept thanking God for the book and the nudge and all the women He has put in MY life.  My pearls and dolphin pod!  And I thought about the jewelry and how He helped me discover that gift just as I was celebrating my recovery from my illness during the girlfriend trip at the beach!  And all the things I have always wanted to do in His name to help other young women.

*****I, too, am a beach girl and can’t believe I live in Chicago!!! I connect with God on such a deep level whenever I am at the ocean and have tried to make my house in the Midwest look as beachy as possible. I have shells everywhere (you can never have too many!!) I just finished Ocean Star yesterday. I read it in one day—once I started, I could not put it down. Thank you for sharing your incredible story. I was inspired and moved by the many themes in your book and praise God for how He is using you today to make a difference in so many women’s lives. I want to be a pearl to the women around me and hope that sometime in 2008 I can attend one of your workshops with my pod. Keep pressing on and being the light God has created you to be!

*****As I was browsing the shelves at our church bookstore I came upon the book, at that time, I did not purchase the book.  Again I was looking for a book and again I saw Ocean Star .... this time I purchased it... I thought it would be a good book for my daughter, as we have walked a similar path.  Only as I was going to give her the book, I felt to hold it back.  Instead I read it... and there are no words that can express the healing I am receiving and in turn giving to my daughter.  Thank you,  I look forward to someday attending a workshop on the beach.

*****A friend recommended the book to me and I just finished it!  What a blessing that book is!  It is a book of healing.  I will definitely be telling everyone to read the book.  I love the way God has shown up in Christina’s life.  I loved the symbolism of the ocean, starfish, etc. with what God desires for our lives.  Words cannot express how much I enjoyed the book and what a blessing it was to me.   Thanks!

I***** am still a girl moving through the old gate and so looking forward to seeing and walking through that beautiful new shiny gate to become a whole woman as Christina described in Ocean Star.  I want to thank Christina from the bottom of my heart for sharing her story.  I identified with so many parts of her story and it is helping me to continue to trust God and believe there is hope.  It's comforting to know I am not alone, yet at the same time a bit sad that so many children, have had to endure such things.  I'm praying for pearls and hoping for the day when I am healed and my star can shine for others.  I want to help however I can. Some of my favorites.... the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step... Jer. 29:11 God knows the plans He has for me and they include hope.  The comfort of the ocean, dolphins, sea stars, everything about the ocean.... my favorites because these are the things God has used to touch me and comfort me too!  The ocean has always been my safe place.  I have felt the warmth of His presence in these places including finding the La Jolla Surf Diva shop and my boyfriend giving me a valentines day card 2 years ago that was the painting Christina speaks of in her book....  when she's riding the wave with her right hand on the dolphin, her left on her star, stars above and below, and the painted sky.  Then last week I found Ocean Star at Wahines South Coast Surf Shop on PB's Crystal Pier and was helped along my own journey as I read it.  PLEASE TELL CHRISTINA THANK YOU FOR ME!!!!!  and may God bless and delight you all and keep you safe :) 

***** I am a 60 year old NJ woman and I just finished reading Ocean Star. I loved it! Thank you for sharing your story. I was deeply touched by your story and especially how Great and Wonderful our God is! You made me laugh, cry and be in awe. Ocean Star goes on favorite reread list.From the bottom of my heart Thank you!

*****Good Morning Christina- I just wanted to thank you for coming into my life. I recently found your book at a surf shop while on vacation with my family in NJ. The book was definitely sent to me to read, as it was in a very obscure spot in the shop. Any way, I read it on the beach and finished it in 2 days. In many ways we've lived very similar lives. My guess is that we are about 2 years apart in age. I also had similar experi